Raven Sisters Aurora Raven and Sunrise Raven

Aurora Raven

Oil

8" x 10"

Judy Vars

sold

Sunrise Raven

Oil

8" X 10"

Judy Vars

sold

The Raven Sisters are Getting Closer to Completion

Today I spent the morning painting the ravens and the branches. The Northern Lights Raven started to resemble stained glass, this gave me the idea to give it even more drama so I applied another layer of glaze in the negative space behind the branches. The glaze was mixed with Pearl Ex pigments to make it literally glow. I mixed Dorlands Wax Medium with black oil paint to do the branches. I wanted to use the wax to give it a more dimensional effect like a stained glass window. Making this painting not strictly an indirect painting. Sorry Connie I'm in love with wax.
The Morning Raven is so beautiful with pinks, lavenders and baby blues. The Ravens cavorting in the sky makes this painting especially appealing. One represents the night with rare Northern lights, the mystery of the unknown the subconscious. The other is a painting of sunrise, a new day, hope and possibilities lay endlessly before one. The theme of duality in my artwork reoccures quite frequently. I find very satisfying the Yin and Yang philosophy; that in opposites lay the paradox that we are related to each other, in creation we need both sides. The Ravens are mythological birds which carry messages to the spirit world. Nothing is ever black and white. Yes these are this things I contemplate while creating my art. Or are they just a couple of pretty paintings? "Art is in the eye of the beholder."

The translucent Mars black pigment, I painted the Ravens with will take a few days to dry completely. Then I will add some finishing touches and deliver them to their owners one will go to Florida and one will stay in Alaska. Just think of the opposites in those two extremes, but still part of the same system forever related and intertwined.

The purples are not showing up in the photograph. Stay tuned for the finished pieces.

Here in the dark days of winter are a few words that might just keep your sunny side up:

"Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive, because your words become your behaviours. Keep your behaviours positive, because your behaviours become your habits. Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny." (Mahatma Gandhi)>Another later is glazed onto the canvas, it is important to add oil into the turpentine as you go otherwise the turpentine will remove paint. Tomorrow I will add some of the higher values to the clouds and aurora then paint the foreground. I'm thinking a few coats of varnish will add even more depth. It should be ready in a few more days. You can't rush an indirect painting.

Raven Sisters

Here is the vary beginning of two Raven paintings: Raven Sisters

This will be painted with an indirect method where layers of sheer color is glazed onto the canvas creating an even suface which is very rich and reflects light.

One Raven will be lighter with brighter colors and one will be darker colors and more muted tones.

One will live in Alaska and one will fly South to Florida.

Wizened and Natal a Sneek Peek

See an expanded version of this body of work at my upcoming show Wizened and Natal @
The Alaska Gallery 105 E. Artic Avenue, Palmer, Alaska Saturday August 8th
It's only 20 days away.

Mutt Fish

Salmon in the Shadows #5
Artist: Judy Vars
Size: 20" x 18"
Medium: Oil
NFS
This painting has about 8 layers plus about 16 coats of varnish to give it added luminosity.
While the painting was in the garage drying, some of my husbands guy friends made fun of it; saying things like is it a walleye? is it a salmon? is it a rainbow? Every ones a critic. Wendy do you want to trade one of you're awesome icons for this masterpiece? It is really quite striking.
I know it's been a really long time but I never forget a deal.